BOXING: Klitschko announces retirement

Ukrainian boxing legend, Wladimir Klitschko, has announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday.

The former heavyweight champion, who held the unified title from 2006-2015 before losing to Tyson Fury, hangs up his gloves as one of the all-time greats of the ring.

In April, Nigerian-born Anthony Joshua stunned the Ukrainian in an epic world heavyweight title battle at Wembley, where the 27-year old knocked out the 41-year-old.

It turns out that that was the last fight of the legend; although, Joshua had hoped Klitschko would sign his rematch clause for a proposed fight in Las Vegas on November 11.

“I have achieved everything I dreamed of, and now I want to start my second career after sports,” said Klitschko.

Read Also: Joshua’s rematch with Klitschko set for Nov 11

“I never thought I’d have such a long and incredibly successful boxing career, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

“At some point in our lives we need to switch our careers and get ourselves ready for the next chapter – obviously I am not an exception to this.

“I have achieved everything I dreamed of, and now I want to start my second career after sports,” he added.

Klitschko won Olympic super-heavyweight gold at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, before turning professional later that year.

He built an unbeaten 24-0 record before losing to American Ross Puritty in 1998 in his only fight to take place in his native Ukraine.

He bows out with a record of 64 wins and five defeats in his career.

 

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